Karen Blau was sentenced to five years in prison at Norfolk Superior Court, following her conviction Wednesday on charges including motor vehicle manslaughter while intoxicated.

Authorities say 35-year-old Joanne White was walking on a sidewalk in Stoughton on July 21, 2013 with her 11-year-old son when she was struck by Blau's vehicle as it backed out of a driveway on the other side of the street.

Prosecutors say White, who was about three months pregnant, yelled out a warning to her son before she was struck. He was not hurt.

Blau cried as she apologized to White’s family and White’s son, Jahmare. Blau told the court that her own mother had died when she just 12 years old.

“I know what they’re going through with Jahmare. You never forget,” Blau said.

White's father had asked for a 25-year sentence.

“You see that beautiful smile. We won’t be seeing this beautiful smile anymore. And to us that’s the hardest part of it,” said Joe White. Jahmare stood with his grandparents but did not address the court.